(19)

(11)

EP 1 079 885 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 07.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/10 (21) Application number: 99914256.5 (22) Date of filing: 29.03.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61M 25/02, A61M 39/02, A61M 39/04, A61B 17/00 (86) International application number: PCT/US9906/836 (87) International publication number: WO 9955/408 (04.11.1999 Gazette 1999/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: CH DE ES FR IT LI (30) Priority: 29.04.1998 US 67974 (71) Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC. Minneapolis,Minnesota 55432 (US)	(72) Inventor: BAUDINO, Michael, D. Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (US) (74) Representative: Hughes, Andrea Michelle et al Frank B. Dehn & Co.,European Patent Attorneys,179 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EL London EC4V 4EL (GB)